We’ve only got three weeks of NFL regular season action left in 2019, and with conference title games in the books, bowl season lies ahead in the college football ranks.
That means top prospects and sleeper hopefuls are putting the finishing touches on their film before heading into draft preparation, while the NFL’s bottom-feeders are preparing for the offseason while their more successful counterparts keep making playoff pushes.
With Week 14 action in the books, here’s my latest stab at projecting the first three rounds of the 2020 NFL draft, using the latest updated order.
1. Cincinnati Bengals
Joe Burrow | QB | LSU
The Andy Dalton era needs to end, and the Bengals are in the perfect spot to take his successor. After yet another masterful performance in the SEC title game, Burrow should be locked into this spot, even before he takes home the Heisman Trophy and leads the Bayou Bengals into the College Football Playoff.
2. New York Giants
Chase Young | EDGE | Ohio State
If this scenario holds, the Giants will luck out by landing the best overall prospect in the draft without having to get the No. 1 pick. Young is one of the most dominant pass rushers I’ve ever seen at the college level, and he has the potential to be a dominant player at the next level from Day 1.
3. Washington Redskins
Jerry Jeudy | WR | Alabama
Offensive tackle is a strong possibility here, but whatever Washington does with this pick, it has to be about helping Dwayne Haskins. There are attractive options both in the trenches and at the skill positions, but Jeudy’s polish and pro-ready skill set will allow him to make the most immediate impact.
4. Miami Dolphins
Tua Tagovailoa | QB | Alabama
After a season-ending hip injury, Tagovailoa is obviously the biggest wild-card in this year’s draft. If he makes a full recovery, Tua still has a fantastic skill set and all the tools to be a franchise quarterback. It’s a big if, but if he’s healthy, he’s still worthy of top-five consideration for a QB-needy team like Miami.
5. Detroit Lions
Derrick Brown | DL | Auburn
This defense needs a dominant, disruptive force in the trenches to build around, whether that’s on the edge or along the interior. In this scenario, Brown is the best combination of value, need and fit. He’s got rare athleticism for his size, and all the strength and power you’d expect.
6. Arizona Cardinals
Andrew Thomas | OT | Georgia
If Kyler Murray is going to reach his full potential, he’ll need a franchise left tackle to grow with him. This scenario plays out perfectly for the Cardinals, as they get their pick of a deep tackle class. Thomas is polished and battle-tested, making him the best option here.
7. Jacksonville Jaguars
Jeff Okudah | CB | Ohio State
After trading one of the NFL’s best corners, the Jags need to replace Jalen Ramsey with one of their multiple first-round picks in this draft. They luck out here, as this year’s top cover man falls to them at this pick. Okudah is a complete player who can make an immediate impact at a premium position of need.
8. Atlanta Falcons
A.J. Epenesa | EDGE | Iowa
This defense is desperate to improve their completely absent pass rush, both on the edge and inside. This pick has to be used to that end, and the value points to grabbing a versatile rusher like Epenesa, who has the size and skill set to line up anywhere on the defensive line and get after the quarterback.
9. New York Jets
Tristan Wirfs | OT | Iowa
Sam Darnold needs more help up front, and both tackle spots especially need attention. If the draft plays out this way, the Jets would land one of this year’s best prospects at the position, getting a powerful blocker in Wirfs who can be an immediate upgrade on either side.
10. Los Angeles Chargers
Justin Herbert | QB | Oregon
The Philip Rivers era is limping to a halt, so it’s time for the Bolts to find a successor for the future Hall of Famer. Herbert went back to school to polish his skill set, and while he’s still somewhat inconsistent, he’s got more than enough tools to work with, and he should end up being a top-10 pick.